UWA FACULTY SENATE MINUTES
Tuesday, November 19, 2002 - 3:30 p.m.
Wise Conference Room - Wallace Hall 213

I.  Roll Call

Dr. Janis Beaird called the meeting to order at 3:30 p.m. Members present were Dr. Richard Schellhammer, Dr. Tina Jones, Dr. R.T. Floyd,  Mr. Mark Brothers, Dr. Betty Cowan, Dr. Tom Gonzalez, Dr. Mark Griffith, Ms. Ann Ketcham, Dr. Nancy Kudlawiec, Dr. Dwayne Massey, Dr. Lesa Shaul, Mr. Jim Shelton, Mr. Jim Todd, and Dr. Bill Ward.

II.  Approval of October 15, 2002 Minutes

A motion was made to approve the October 15, 2002, minutes by Mr. Todd and seconded by Dr. Ward.  The minutes passed unanimously.

III. Old Business

1. Paid Maternity Leave – Dr. Janis Beaird

Dr. Janis Beaird said that the Deans’ Council has asked for information from the staff members concerning this issue.  The Staff Senate will place this on their agenda in December.

2. Retirement System Visit – Dr. Janis Beaird

Dr. Janis Beaird said that a representative was on campus today, November 19, 2002.  She also announced that VALIC will be on campus on December 2 from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. in Bibb Graves 205.  Jennifer Schiller will be the representative from VALIC.  Appointments may be made outside the 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. time period by calling  (205) 296-5574.

IV. New Business

1. Benefit Elect – Mr. Alan J. Chappelle

Dr. Janis Beaird introduced Alan J. Chappelle of Chappelle Consulting Group and Benefit Elect plan.  He spoke to the Senate about the University’s Flex-benefit plan.  He first discussed the current participation levels at UWA.  He specifically explained a new benefit to the participants in the medical reimbursement plan.  The Flex Convenience debit card is like a bankcard except it can only be used for medical expenses or dependent child care expenses.  The maximum amount that one can place on the card is $2000. The card is viable for three years. According to Chappelle this card increases the participant’s spending power, reduces paperwork for the participant, and increases participant satisfaction with the plan.  Convenience Card is part of the MasterCard system. Chappelle noted that MasterCard is charging an additional $1.50 per month ($18 per year) for this service.  This cost is being passed on to the participant through Chappelle Consulting Group. This cost would be paid by the University if the Card is approved as part of the Flex-benefit package.  Mr. Chappelle explained that if the card is lost or stolen the card has the same protection as a MasterCard. He also said that receipts for drug store charges will still need to be turned in to ensure that the correct expenses are being deducted from the card.  Charges related to co-pay charges do not require receipts.  Chappelle also noted that the introduction of the card has brought about increased participation in the flex-benefit plans. Mr. Chappelle distributed literature to Senate members about the Flex Convenience debit card. Dr. Beaird asked that Senate representatives distribute information to their faculty members.  Mr. Chappelle also said that the brochures could be used for payroll stuffers.  Dr. R.T. Floyd, Dr. Mark Griffith and Dr. Richard Schellhammer highly encouraged participation in the plan.  They have all been pleased with the plan.  Dr. Beaird noted that the convenience card is on the agenda for the next President’s Council.

2. Academic Affairs-Dr. David Taylor

Dr. Janis Beaird announced that Dr. Taylor will speak at the January Senate meeting.

3. ACUFP Report – Dr. R.T. Floyd Other

Dr. Janis Beaird asked Dr. R.T. Floyd to summarize the ACUFP meeting held this past weekend at Troy State Dothan.  Dr. Floyd has been re-elected president of ACUFP. Dr. Floyd distributed a handout entitled Tentative ACUFP Feedback and Presentation to ACHE PLG.  Dr. Floyd said that anyone wishing to add to this document needs to send him their concerns by December 5.  He will present the concerns and comments to ACHE on December 16. Dr. Floyd entertained suggestions and comments about the handout.  Dr. Floyd noted that the group was very interested in having more input from faculty on the PLG. He closed by saying that he wants to go to Montgomery with a good presentation. 

4. Other

Dr. Janis Beaird said that she presented the possibility of moving the drop date back, to the Deans’ Council.  The Council has asked Mrs. Pat Reedy to discuss any financial aid obligations that might hinder such a move. Mrs. Reedy has been asked to attend the next Deans’ Council meeting, so that the issue may be discussed further.

Dr. Floyd announced that the University’s web page was updated in August.  Dr. Floyd said he will be sending an email asking for faculty to comment on the strengths and weaknesses of the web page. These comments will be used to determine needed changes to the web page.  He hopes to make these changes by  the first of the year.  He stressed the committee’s desire for feedback.  Dr. Floyd  noted the need to update faculty web pages.  He added that he is willing to help faculty with this project.

V. Adjournment

With no other business, Dr. Janis Beaird asked for a motion to adjourn.  Dr. Nancy Kudlawiec moved that the meeting adjourn.  The motion was seconded and the meeting was adjourned at 4:35.